PORT MORESBY: A notable way to acknowledge a great person is to emulate his or her footsteps and legacies, says the Opposition Leader Don Pomb Polye.Mr Polye, a leader who was moulded and shaped by the Grand Chief Sir Michael in his political career, said he had decided to follow the footsteps and legacies of Sir Michael, urging his fellow MPs to follow suit.He said Sir Michael laid the country’s foundation on the Constitution, rule of law and justice, systems governance and democracy among others.“I would like us all to promote these principles and values. Not just by mouth but live by it and conduct by it as in that we will take the country to the next level.“The only way to respect and salute the Grand Chief on his 80th birthday is to live by the principles which he has laid for us to emulate from,” said Polye when speaking on Saturday (09/04/2016) at Sir Michael’s 80th birthday celebration in Wewak, East Sepik.He has described Sir Michael as ‘selfless and servant leader,’ saying most of his decisions were in the best interests of the country and for the benefit of the majority and not for a minority.“Even if you (MPs) think you can’t, let us try it. If you don’t believe it, believe in it. If you don’t see it, pray to God so that he can open your eyes to see it. Let us run this country on the basis of honesty, systems of governance, democracy, rule of law and justice, equal distribution of wealth and sustainable development.“This what he exactly did. If we all do follow his footsteps, I think we are true sons and daughters of the Grand Chief who founded this nation. We will succeed because that is the right foresight or vision. The Parliamentarians need to see this,” said Mr Polye.“You (Sir Michael) are a selfless, servant leader. If you had been selfish, East Sepik would have had development boom with skyscrapers everywhere. If em man sa tok mi…mi…mi…, bai umi lukim olgeta rod, gutpla building, giaman building na planti moa bai pulap lo Sepik (If he had been selfish in wealth distribution when in power, we would have seen better roads, skyscrapers, fake buildings and many more only in East Sepik),” said Mr Polye.He added that some MPs were first timers in Parliament but got rich so quickly.“However, this is not the case with Somare family. I know them personally. I was with them for almost a decade and I know they are poor.“It shows your spirit of humility and service to others. This is a true colour of leadership,” he said.